'Hamilton and Alonso are like Messi and Ronaldo', says Sainz

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Carlos Sainz says that Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are Formula 1's answer to football icons Messi and Ronaldo.

The two soccer talents have been at the forefront of their sport for many years, trading awards and the title of best player of the year.

F1 fans may not fully agree with the Toro Rosso driver's assessment, with many probably adding Sebastian Vettel, Daniel ricciardo or even Max Verstappen to the mix.

"Hamilton is the Messi of F1 and Christian Ronaldo would be Fernando Alonso, although Christiano wants it all, to win and to be the best," Sainz told Spanish publication Marca.

"Fernando also wants to win, but not both."

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Sainz has never denied his admiration for Alonso, considering his countryman as a role model as a young driver.

Now that he's on the grid with the McLaren driver, and even in front of him on occasion, he can get a front row seat , like in last year's US Grand Prix, and see exactly why he compares his talent to the skills of the Real Madrid striker.

"Fernando is a fighter and has so much experience, he's always more difficult to pass than the others. He's an old dog who knows everything".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.